KES Cricket 1957/58

UNDER 14 XI

Throughout the
season the wickets were pudding-like and the outfields slow but these conditions
were not in themselves reasons for a succession of miserably low scores. The batting
of the side was brittle and undistinguished. There was never a sense of purpose
about it, indeed suspense was a feature of every innings. The feeble calling and
hesitant running were a sad commentary on the cricket of the side. Batty, after
changing his stance, improved beyond all recognition and ended the season with
a wholly creditable performance at Nottingham. Blythe batted diffidently ; he
must overcome certain frailties in his basic technique. The bold batting of Britton
was most welcome at Stockport and Oakwood but in other games he batted with alarming
ineptitude. Taylor always started nervously but he judged each ball on its merits
and displayed some pleasant attacking strokes in front of the wicket. McAughey
and Dennis were included for their batting but both suffered from many early dismissals
and did not develop as might have been hoped.

Bailey
and Bedford, in a last wicket stand at Barnsley, had the distinction of more than
doubling the score and virtually winning the match.

Bailey was a promising
fast left-arm bowler ; he needs to concentrate on attacking the stumps and maintaining
a length. Bedford with a controlled easy action bowled steadily but often without
bite. The medium-paced delivery of Betts kept the runs down and tested our opponents.
Wesley and Styring bowled with wild enthusiasm.

This was a poor fielding
side ; many catches were put down and there was a marked absence of anticipation.
Only Batty, Britton and Wileman showed the required qualities. Taylor kept wicket
competently.

The captain, Wileman, lacked the decisiveness expected of him
; his field placing was often unimaginative and his command over the team uncertain.
He earned respect, however, for his excellent batting and fine slow spin bowling,
nowhere more evident than in the final match of the season. Altogether a pleasant
although uninspired team.